IRONMAN Switzerland

Thanks to the impressive views you'll never believe you are racing through one of the world's most important financial centers.

The city of Zurich lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history, and much of the ancient center has been preserved. The city has embraced contemporary trends as well, converting old factories into creative spaces for cultural events. Zurich is consistently recognized as one of the most livable cities in Europe. In Zurich, as is typical for Switzerland, everything from shopping to spas and restaurants is very close to the race site and within walking distance.

This race offers a symmetrical one-loop swim course in the crystal clear water of Lake Zurich. After the 3.8k swim portion, a spectacular bike course leads you through the city center and then out of town along the lake shore; 30km later on the bike you wouldn’t think there was a city even close by. For the next hour, athletes ride along grazing lands, past small villages, and over the rolling countryside of Zurich. The two climbs, "The Beast" and "Heartbreak Hill," are lined with spectators cheering and ringing cow bells. The newly designed multifaceted four-loop run course takes athletes through downtown Zurich. They will run down the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse and through beautiful alleys. After passing the town's landmarks and the historic buildings, they will run back along the shores of Lake Zurich.